BMW revealed pictures and details of the latest edition of the Z4 model which will debut next month during Detroit Motor Show. The 2011 Z4 sDrive35is, terrible name by the way, is set to be the top performer in the roadster segment. It actually explains why BMW killed plans for a M-powered Z4. As you have noticed, this car has the letter “s” at the end of its names, and that alone gives the game away!
You see this new model is equipped with an updated version of BMW’s 3.0 liter twin-turbo direct-injection I-6 engine which develops 335hp and 500 Newton-metres/369 lb-ft of torque. That’s 35hp more than the current model. This powerunit combined with a seven-speed Sport Automatic featuring double clutch operation, help the Z4 to deliver amazing performance. zero to 100 km/h takes only 4.8 seconds, but as usual top speed is limited to 250. The average fuel consumption for this engine is 9.0 liters per 100 kilometers (equal to 26.1 mpg US) while CO2 emissions is 210 grams per kilometer.
Modified engine management on the BMW Z4 sDrive35is also allows the use of an Overboost function briefly increasing engine torque under full load by another 50 Newton-metres or 37 lb-ft. The car also receives some gifts form BMW EfficientDynamics department, such as Brake Energy Regeneration, EPS Electric Power Steering and on-demand control and management of ancillary units likewise help to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.
One other cool feature of this engine is its characteristic exhaust noise. The engine is fitted with special sound flaps and modifications on the silencers in order to have a deep rumbling sound. Th Z4 sDrive35is also comes as standard with an M Sports Package including the M Aerodynamics Package and adaptive M Suspension featuring electronically controlled dampers for even greater agility without making any concessions in terms of comfort.
The signs of M-sport pack on the outside include the front bumper with a horizontal trim bar in the outer air intakes finished in matt aluminium, rear bumper with specially accentuated surrounds on the exhaust tailpipes as well as a two-piece diffuser, and 18-inch light-alloy rims in five-spoke design (19-inch wheels are available as an option). The M-suspension system also drops the car by mere 10mm, further enhancing the car’s sporty character. The new Z4 gets a new exterior color called Melbourne Red metallic as well, in addition to other available colors including Alpine White and the metallic colours Titanium Silver, Sapphire Black, Space Grey and Deep Sea Blue. Regardless of the colour chosen, the exterior mirror caps on the BMW Z4 sDrive35is always come in Oxide Silver.
Inside the cabin, the main features include the M leather steering wheel with its gearshift paddles, an M footrest and sports seats, new instrument cluster with grey faces on the dials and the “sDrive35is” model designation.
